by Lacey Legend
***
The two weeks flew by. Although Jenna knew she only had to pop into the apartment for quarter of an hour a day, she always stayed for the duration of her shift; trying to find things to busy herself with.
Polishing the wooden floors one Friday morning, she heard the door open.
Spencer stepped in, dropping a suitcase. He was dressed casually in blue jeans and a white t-shirt. Apart from the time Jenna had seen him attending the gym, she hadn’t ever seen Spencer dressed casually. Rather than ignore her, he smiled at her.
“Hi Jenna.”
Jenna was stunned by his friendliness.
“Hi, Mr. Lawson.” She wanted to ask if it was a good trip, but would that be considered an invasion of his personal life? “I do hope things went well for you while you were away,” she said formally.
“As good as can be expected, thanks.”
Jenna knew her mouth was smiling and she was flashing her pearly whites. It wasn’t that he looked as if he’d stepped off a catwalk in Milan that made her happy, but the naturalness of the brief hello.
“Bedroom free for me to unpack?”
She nodded.
“Absolutely. Let me know if you need a hand with anything.”
He ran a large hand through his locks. As his chiseled face was cleared from the curls she could see his face was pale and his eyes had bags under them. Jenna suspected he was jetlagged.
“I can scoot off, if you prefer to be by yourself,” she offered.
“It’s fine. Stay. I might need a hand in the bedroom,” he laughed.
He’s flirting with me, she thought, Or maybe he just wants me to unpack his luggage. She remained in the living room polishing the timber floor over and over. Straining her ears, she could hear Spencer on the phone.
“Please tell me that text you sent earlier was a joke, because that is not the news I want to receive when I’ve just jumped off a five hour flight.” There was silence as the person on the other end of the phone spoke. “I’m glad the publicity of a movie premiere is considered more valuable to her than attending a charity event.”
“Someone famous has stood Spencer Lawson up,” guessed Jenna.
“It’s very late in the day for me to be finding another date and as this is a high profile function, what I need is a high profile date. Are you seriously telling me you have no one else on your books free and willing to attend tonight?” A long silence stretched. “I sponsored this event. My being absent isn’t feasible. You promised me assistance with the guest list and now you’re failing to deliver. If you can’t come up with something, you can consider our professional relationship over.”
“I do believe Mr. Lawson doesn’t have a contingency plan for tonight,” giggled Jenna, realizing Spencer was about to experience firsthand what it was to be ‘fed up’.
“No,” she heard him sneer. “I have no intention of hiring an escort for the night and I don’t care which firms you’d recommend; it’s tacky and unnecessary.”
His final sentence appeared to terminate the call. Jenna could hear his boots stomping around the bedroom. She fled to put the mop in the laundry room and make herself scarce.
“Jenna,” he called. His tone was firm.
“Mr. Lawson,” she piped up from the laundry.
“Can I see you for a minute please?”
She made her way to the living room with an expression of naiveté and curiosity.
“Something I can help you with?”
“Perhaps, but it doesn’t fall under the category of cleaning,” he said slowly.
Her hazel eyes studied him and she realized he was scrutinizing her appearance and attempting to assess her character. She could see the brown eyes almost twinkling as the cogs in his brain were formulating some kind of plan.
“Why don’t you sit down?”
Jenna accepted the invite. She resisted the urge to be humorous by kicking off her sneakers and half lying on the couch. Spencer didn’t seem to be in the mood to find her faux insolence amusing.
“I’m in something of a bind,” he started honestly.
Don’t I know it, she thought.
“There’s a rather major charity event on tonight for which I’m something of an ambassador for.”
“That’s...commendable,” teased Jenna gently, throwing his own words back in his face.
“Touché,” he conceded. “I need a date to accompany me. The lady I was paired with can’t make it.”
“Surely that little black book of yours is full of names of women that’d be more than happy to go with you.”
Spencer took the barb in good humor.
“It’s not a little black book,” he corrected. “It’s a big black book that’s coming apart at the seaMs. with all the names and numbers I have in it.”
Jenna laughed and shook her head at his arrogance.
“Besides,” he continued. “They aren’t appropriate for this event. I wondered if you might step in.”
I do believe there was a compliment somewhere in there, thought Jenna, is he saying of all the wealthy, beautiful women he’s bedded, little old me, a twenty-one year old student in her final year at NYU is more suitable for this highly important function? He’s been stood up by some famous socialite or actress or singer and he thinks I’m the next best thing. Maybe he did notice me and I read him all wrong.
“What do you think? I’ll make it worth your while.”
“In what way?”
“Well I’ll pay you for your time, of course. I was thinking $1000 for the evening. I’d hope that covers the cancellation of any other plans you’ve made.”
He knows I couldn’t afford to turn a sum like that down, grimaced Jenna inwardly, and, it’d make a huge difference to the family income. She felt hurt, but couldn’t pinpoint why.
“Obviously I’ll pay for transport to Macy’s and you can buy whatever outfit you need and I’ll have it put on my account.”
Jenna suddenly realized why she was hurt, because this was nothing more than a business transaction to Spencer. Even though she was fully aware how important business was to him, and even though she knew how little women meant to him, she still wanted to be special to Spencer Lawson. Her enthusiasm waned. Pride would have her decline the invitation, but love of her family and the thought of extra savings for Liana and baby Zada would make her accept the offer.
“Sure. That sounds fine to me.”
*
“Yes, I’m on my way,” promised Kelly, on the phone to Jenna. “I’ll be in ladies wear before you arrive.”
“Well I’m in a cab now and I want the works done there. Not just the outfit, but hair and makeup too ,” panicked Jenna.
“This is possibly the most exciting thing to happen in your life, next to your ex being jailed.”
“Kelly!”
“Sorry. Too soon?”
“Too soon and seeing my boyfriend jailed wasn’t exciting. It practically broke me and tore me apart from my family.”
“Sorry, Jen.”
Kelly’s apology was more sincere. In all the thrilling news of Jenna’s new appointment as British billionaire Spencer Lawson’s guest for the evening, Kelly had been completely insensitive to her friend’s past.
“It’s okay. It’s just... I don’t like to think about it.”
“I’ll say no more about it.”
“Kelly, I know you stood by me through that. Even though this is a professional engagement, you’re right – I am moving forward in a good way.”
“Jenna?”
“Yes.”
“I’m in Macy’s now and the selection and prices here are incredible. You can’t afford to stint tonight by showing up in something shoddy.”
“I know that’s the best part. I can spend his money and not feel guilty,” agreed Jenna as she paid the cab driver.
As Jenna swept in and gave Kelly a hug, the two girls squeezed hands.
“Good day, ladies,” greeted a well-dressed woman. “Mr. Lawson has requested my servic
es as a personal shopper should you require any assistance today. Now would you be Jenna?” she enquired shaking Kelly’s hand.
“No,” replied Kelly coolly. “This foxy lady is.”
The personal assistant raised an eyebrow.
“You think Spencer Lawson doesn’t do interracial dating,” whispered Kelly to her friend. “Why target the blonde haired, blue eyed, ex cheerleader who never quite made it to college? Unless that’s his normal type.”
“Don’t put yourself down,” hissed Jenna. “Maybe she’s got some sort of issue with the black and white thing.”
“Well, I hate her,” said Kelly.
“Kel, you’re being overly loyal and defensive. It may be a genuine mistake. Thinking you were Spencer’s date doesn’t make her a racist.”
“She might be. It’d be fitting to the plot.”
“What? What on earth are you rabbitting on about?”
“Don’t you feel like we’re in a scene from a romantic comedy? You know a rags to riches affair?”
“Kelly, it’s just one night and it’s a job. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves here.”
“Hate them all,” screeched Kelly petulantly as the personal shopper arrived with her first three selections of dresses.
The afternoon was fun. The personal shopper was efficient, effective and had an amazing eye for fashion and what suited Jenna’s petite figure. Once the outfit was selected, the girls headed to the salon. Jenna opted to have her hair colored and straightened.
The honey gold afro was transformed into a sleek straight dark brown bob with warm red shades throughout. Her makeup was subtle and complimented the color of her dress. When the session was over and it was time for Jenna to return, the girls were disappointed they had to part.
“This will probably be the best part of the whole event,” moaned Jenna.
Kelly assessed her friend. In her eyes, Jenna was always beautiful, but tonight she was stunning. As much as she loved hanging with Jenna and enjoying a taste of how the other half lived, Kelly wanted her friend to have a brilliant evening.
“No,” said Kelly softly. “This is a great start to what is going to be one of the most memorable nights of your life. Take it for what it is, but don’t miss a minute of it and don’t for one second think you don’t belong there. Spencer Lawson won’t know what’s hit him and if he can’t see the girl of his dreams on his arm when he enters that posh charity do with you tonight, then he’s blind and not worthy of your heart, anyway.”
“Kelly, you’re the best.”
“And you deserve the best. I won’t kiss you goodbye because I don’t want to ruin your make up, but I’m overwhelmed by what I’m seeing. Get out of here before I get weepy.”
“Join me in the cab. It can take you home after it drops me off,” insisted Jenna.
“Back to Brooklyn from Manhattan? Won’t Spencer question the fare?”
“It’s my treat.”
“Save your money Jenna. I’m happy to use public transport.”
Jenna hopped in the cab her friend has flagged and felt a wave of sadness wash over her. She made a silent wish that Kelly would one day get a night like this so she too could feel like a princess for an evening.
Confidence in her appearance had Jenna striding through the revolving doors of Spencer’s plush residence. However, confidence alone didn’t permit her to pass the authoritarian uniformed man on reception.
“May I help you miss,” he asked politely as he cut Jenna off from the elevator.
“Jenna King for Mr. Lawson.”
“Miss King, I didn’t even recognize you,” he exclaimed. “You look a treat tonight. Forgive me; I’m not used to seeing you out of uniform.”
“Think I’ll do?”
“Whatever the occasion, I’m certain you’ll make the right impression.”
“Thanks,” she winked as he indicated she enter the elevator.
Despite the approving glances and admiring comments on her way back to Spencer’s, she suddenly felt nervous about his reaction. Everyone in this building was used to seeing her in jeans, a shirt and an apron. Turning up in her gym gear probably wouldn’t have attracted as much attention.
She let herself into the apartment.
“Did you get on okay?” he shouted from the bedroom.
This has all got very informal very quickly, thought Jenna. “I think so,” she replied, hoping she wasn’t screeching.
“What do you mean think?”
Spencer stepped into the doorway frame of the bedroom leading to the living room. He was dressed in full white tie regalia, including a white bow tie, white waistcoat and stiff white dress shirt with a pique collar, coupled with black pleated trousers, black tails, and patent black leather oxfords. Spencer looked as though he’d stepped out of a scene from Downton Abbey. Before Jenna was able to compliment his attire, Spencer’s eyes widened at the sight of her and his mouth dropped.
“You look amazing,” he whispered huskily.
The six-inch gold heels emphasized Jenna’s toned, slender legs under the olive-green and gold full length gown which was slit high to her thigh to show a flash of skin as she walked. There was no need for a plunging neckline to draw attention of her cleavage. The shoestring straps of the dress held the fitted bodice close to her firm rounded breasts and the soft material clung to her flat stomach.
“You look like a star.”
“I feel like a star,” said Jenna graciously. “Perhaps it’s just the hint of gold sparkle from the dress,” she laughed disarmingly.
“No,” protested Spencer sincerely. “You do look unearthly. Not of this planet. Some beauty from far away to visit for the night.”
“You sound almost poetic.”
“That’d be the effect of your outfit,” he grinned. “Imagine what I’ll be like after a few glasses of champagne.”
The atmosphere had changed in the room. Suddenly it didn’t feel like a business arrangement anymore. Suddenly Jenna was looking forward to the evening and not because there was a $1000 check waiting at the end of it.
The telephone rang, breaking the surreal romantic air of Spencer’s flat. His hand flew to it and he asserted that he’d be along promptly.
“Are you right to leave or do you need more time?”
“I’m good to go.”
“You certainly are,” affirmed Spencer, placing his hand on her back as he ushered her out the door.
*
“Anything you need to brief me on before we arrive?”
Spencer smiled at her. “Don’t worry. It’s going to be fine and you’re going to be fine. Just be yourself and stick close to me.”
Jenna felt reassured. Given Spencer was heavily involved with the charity she assumed he’d be expected to mingle and network for the majority of the evening, leaving Jenna to her own devices with a bunch of people she didn’t know and wouldn’t be able to relate to.
Seeing a bottle of champagne in an ice bucket as she entered the limousine, was a relief to Jenna’s eyes. Spencer opening it and pouring them both a glass was equally as welcome. The bubbles of the expensive Moet were going to her head and calming her nerves for the night ahead.
“I hope I don’t embarrass you.”
“If I thought for a second you might, I wouldn’t have invited you.”
“Sometimes you sound like a real snob, but other times I think you’re just a brutally honest kind of man.”
“I’m not sure I’m the kind of man that can be bothered with tip toeing round people to spare their feelings. You get much more accomplished with people if you’re up front and open with them. Playing games gets you nowhere. I don’t have time to waste in my life,” reflected Spencer.
“I’d have thought one of the bonuses to being a billionaire was that you could afford to waste time and play games.”
“I can afford to do that, but I don’t want to. You can’t buy time and some people unfortunately don’t have the time, no matter how much money is thrown at them.”
Jenna studied her hands and attempted to decipher Spencer’s cryptic words.
“What charity is this event for tonight,” she inquired.
“Rett syndrome.”
Jenna hadn’t heard of it. “Forgive my ignorance, but I’m not familiar with it.”
“There’s nothing to forgive. The majority of people haven’t heard of it. That’s why I’m hosting the event – to promote awareness. Now you’ve heard of it, I know I’ve accomplished something tonight.”
“What is it?”
“It’s a nervous system disorder. It’s diagnosed in children as early as six months. Breathing problems, seizures, muscular problems. They have difficulty with using their hands and expressing themselves in terms of language.”
“There’s no cure is there,” pre-empted Jenna.
“No,” said Spencer, his puppy dog eyes were incredibly sad. “I keep hoping if we have the funds to invest, one day we might have a breakthrough. As it currently stands, if you’re diagnosed with Rett Syndrome, you have a life expectancy of mid-twenties. Some live longer. If you are afflicted though, you don’t have the luxury of playing games and wasting time.”
“Who do you know who has it?”
“What makes you think I’m not the philanthropist type and this is just a hobby?”
“Because you look and sound like a human when you talk about it, rather than the arrogant, playboy image you like to project in my company.”
“I’m British. I don’t discuss my feelings,” he said firmly, but softly.
“I’m from Brooklyn. I’m nosy and if I’m determined, I normally get the answers I’m after.”
“I’d rather enjoy tonight. Let’s drop it.”
“That wasn’t specified in my contract,” pushed Jenna gently. “You’ve thrown this gala to raise money for a charity to help a person that’s special to you. Don’t insult my intelligence by implying you aren’t going to give them a second thought the minute that we’re out of this vehicle.”
The limousine began to slow as it approached the club.
“My niece. I’ve been over visiting her in London. She’s five. The countdown has already begun for that little girl. Now let’s get to work.”
As the chauffeur opened the door and offered a hand to Jenna to assist her out of the limousine she was stunned by the array of photographers snapping her. This clearly wasn’t a low-key affair. Jenna didn’t have time to feel out of her depths. Spencer had already laced his fingers through hers and pulled her protectively close to him. He deliberately took his time walking the red carpet to allow the avid paparazzi to photograph him and Jenna.